Spanish Participants Research Articles

Abstract B062: Prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants among Latinas in the All of Us Cohort

Abstract Latinas in the United States are disproportionately affected by breast cancer, but little is known about genetic risk factors for breast cancer in this population. Genetic variants in BReast CAncer genes 1 and 2 (BRCA1/2) are known to be associated with heritable cancer risk, yet the prevalence of BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants in the Latina population is not well characterized. This study aims to examine the prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants among Latinas in the NIH All of Us research program, which includes a large number of individuals representative of the diversity of the United States population. Using data from the All of Us research program, we will analyze the prevalence of these variants among Latinas, in addition to all other racial and ethnic groups. To date, the All of Us cohort contains 245,400 genomes, and of those 41,940 (17%) are from self-identified Hispanic/Latino/or Spanish participants. We will compare the prevalence of pathogenic, or likely pathogenic, variants across self-reported race/ethnicity and continental genetic ancestry categories. Our study will leverage the diversity of All of Us and enable us to compare our data with those from more Eurocentric databases. With these data, we can potentially 1) identify novel variants that could predispose to increased cancer risk; and 2) clarify the previous designations of variants characterized to have undetermined/unknown significance due to the limitations of using a single Eurocentric reference genome. Identifying the actual prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants among Latinas is important for improving breast cancer prevention, detection, and treatment in this population. The findings of this study have the potential to inform genetic counseling and testing recommendations for Latina patients at high risk of developing breast cancer, as well as others. This will also enable healthcare providers to better understand the unique genetic factors contributing to breast cancer risk among this population. Ultimately, this knowledge can improve the care of Latina patients and contribute to the broader effort to advance health equity and reduce disparities in breast cancer outcomes among Latinas. Citation Format: Cathy Samayoa, Erick Olivares, Catherine Gavile, Adriana Visbal. Prevalence of pathogenic BRCA1/2 variants among Latinas in the All of Us Cohort [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr B062.

Exploring the Occurrence of Organic Contaminants in Human Semen through an Innovative LC-HRMS-Based Methodology Suitable for Target and Nontarget Analysis.

Understanding the potential impact of organic contaminants on male fertility is crucial, yet limited studies have examined these chemicals in semen, with most focusing on urine and blood. To address this gap, we developed and validated a robust LC-HRMS methodology for semen analysis, with a focus on polar and semipolar chemicals. Our methodology enables the quantitative (or semiquantitative) analysis of >2000 chemicals being compatible with suspect and nontarget strategies and providing unprecedented insights into the occurrence and potential bioaccumulation of diverse contaminants in this matrix. We comprehensively analyzed exogenous organic chemicals and associated metabolites in ten semen samples from Spanish participants collected in an area with a large presence of the chemical industry included in the LED-FERTYL Spanish study cohort. This investigation revealed the presence of various contaminants in semen, including plastic additives, PFAS, flame retardants, surfactants, and insecticides. Notably, prevalent plastic additives such as phthalic acid esters and bisphenols were identified, indicating potential health risks. Additionally, we uncovered previously understudied chemicals like the tire additive 2-mercaptobenzothiazole and specific organophosphate flame retardants. This study showcases the potential of our methodology as a valuable tool for large-scale cohort studies, providing insights into the association between contaminant exposure and the risk of male fertility impairments.

The lockdown of the locked-in: experiences of persons with Locked-in Syndrome during COVID-19 pandemic

Effects of COVID-19 lockdown for people with disabilities have been examined in the social and health sciences regarding both access to health and caregiving services, and their personal experiences. This article adds to such scholarship by investigating the lived experience of the lockdown in persons diagnosed with Locked-in Syndrome (LIS) by drawing on testimonies of confinement provided between March and June 2020 by members of the French Locked-in Syndrome Association (ALIS), and responses to a qualitative questionnaire during the same period by Spanish participants of our research project. Thematic analysis was performed; through inductive coding, five major themes were identified. By the time the pandemic broke out, some persons with LIS had long led a largely locked-in life. Studying their experience will allow us promote awareness of the resources needed to ensure the rights of people with disabilities and improve their quality of life and wellbeing.

Intercultural Differences between Spain and Italy Regarding School Bullying, Gender, and Age.

The objectives of this research were to establish the differences between Spain and Italy regarding the presence of bullying in primary and secondary schools, as well as to determine whether there are differences between experiencing or perpetrating bullying and gender and age in the practice of school bullying. To assess the EBIPQ scores in terms of country and gender, the chi-squared test was used, and ANOVA was applied for age. A total of 1536 students from primary and secondary schools in Spain and Italy participated in the study. Their ages ranged from 10 to 19 years (mean = 13.01, standard deviation = 2.19). The results revealed statistically significant differences in terms of bullying categories concerning the country of origin and gender, with a higher number of Italian participants in the role of "no victim aggress" and Spanish participants in the roles of "victim" and "victim and aggress". Additionally, there were more boys in the role of "victim and aggress" and girls in the role of "no victim aggress". Regarding age, statistically significant differences were found, with older students taking on the role of "aggress" on average, while younger students assumed the role of "victim".

Refusing Invitations: A Contrastive Pragmatic Study of Jordanian Arabic and Castilian Spanish

Objectives: The study aimed at examining the use of refusals by Jordanian Arabic and Castilian Spanish speakers when declining invitations from their friends, focusing on similarities and differences in terms of head strategies, adjuncts, order, and frequency. Methods: A discourse completion task (DCT) comprising various situations were designed to elicit refusals from the participants. Drawing on Beebe et al’s categorization (1990), the data were categorized into head acts (subdivided into direct and indirect strategies) and adjuncts to refusal. Results: Although the Jordanian and Spanish participants belong to two distant cultures (eastern and western), the findings revealed that they were more similar than different in their refusals. They both showed a stronger tendency for indirectness in refusing invitations, with the Jordanians being more indirect. Both groups commonly utilized the strategies of statement of regret, giving reason, and negative ability, with different degrees of preference and frequency. As for adjuncts, both groups were inclined to employ a high percentage of adjuncts either before or after head strategies of refusal. While the Jordanians preferred the adjuncts of gratitude and swearing, the Spanish participants preferred gratitude and positive opinion. Both groups showed predilection to combine the same typical components in their refusal responses but differ in the order in which these components appeared. The employment of indirect refusal strategies and adjuncts in the Jordanian and Spanish responses pragmatically served to mitigate potentially negative effects of refusal on the inviters. Conclusion: Further research on Jordanian and Spanish refusals in other situations is recommended.

Processing Wh-dependencies in L2 English by L1 Turkish and Spanish Speakers: Island Constraints and that-trace Effect

This study investigates whether advanced L2 speakers exhibit comparable sensitivity to island constraints and the that-trace effect as L1 speakers during real-time processing of long distance grammatical and ungrammatical wh-extractions in English. L1 Spanish, Turkish, and English speakers participated in an online grammaticality judgment task (GJT) featuring five types of wh-extractions with island and that-trace violations, presented in full-sentence and self-paced reading conditions. Findings reveal distinctions between L2 learners and native speakers in accuracy and response times, particularly in subject extractions from non-finite clauses and that-trace violations. However, subject-object asymmetry was consistent across groups, suggesting shared processing patterns. L2 learners showed sensitivity to island constraints, paralleling native speakers. L1 influence varied, with no significant discrepancy between Spanish and Turkish groups. Turkish learners' success in grammatical wh-extractions may stem from overt movement via scrambling and universal grammar availability, whereas Spanish participants displayed nuanced L1 influence on ungrammatical wh-extractions with that-trace violations.

Unforgiveness in the Light of Sexual Infidelity: Anxious Attachment to the Partner and Personal Distress as Correlates.

It has been widely documented that infidelity is established as one of the main causes of relationship breakdowns. Likewise, the empirical literature has also revealed the association between anxious attachment and personal distress with unforgiveness motivations. However, there is no known research that has examined the role of anxious attachment to the partner, personal distress, and unforgiveness motivations in infidelity and even less, taking into account the perspective of the offended person. Through a correlational study (N = 304 Spanish participants from the general population [M = 26.25, SD = 9.62]), we examined the relationship between unforgiveness motivations (revenge and avoidance motivations for unforgiveness), anxious attachment to the partner, and personal distress experienced after a hypothetical sexual infidelity from the perspective of the offended person. The results showed that anxious attachment was positively associated with revenge motivation for unforgiveness and personal distress. Moreover, high levels of anxious attachment to the partner were only associated with higher avoidance motivation for unforgiveness through increased levels of personal distress. Last but not least, we discuss these findings and their possible repercussions for intimate relationships.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Spanish Validation of the Computerized Information Processing Assessment Battery (COGNITO).

Mild cognitive impairment (CI) has an exponential increase in its prevalence and causes functional deficits and dependence. Its early detection allows for timely treatment and greater therapeutic efficacy. However, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is currently underdiagnosed. Although recent decades have seen a rise in computerized instruments for the detection and early diagnosis of MCI, showing numerous advantages over the classic paper-and-pencil methods, such as standardized stimulus presentation. However, their limitations include the use of self-administered application without professional supervision. Few of these instruments have Spanish-adapted versions. To translate, adapt, and validate the computerized Information Processing Assessment Battery (COGNITO) battery in the Spanish population and to develop a portable administration system that facilitates its application in different settings. COGNITO was then administered to 232 Spanish participants (18-89years) without cognitive impairment, after which preliminary normative data were obtained. Strong positive correlations were found between the main cognitive domains assessed by COGNITO and the variables of age, educational level, and MEC score. The gender variable only correlated with visuospatial skills, with men outperforming women. The test-retest correlations conducted after 4 weeks with 89 participants revealed adequate reliability coefficients ranging between.63 and.66 (visuospatial skills = 0.35). Internal consistency coefficients were satisfactory in Attention-Executive Functions and Memory domains. The Spanish adaptation of COGNITO shows adequate psychometric characteristics of validity and reliability. The preliminary normative data provided may contribute to the early detection of cognitive impairments associated with both normal aging and various types of neurological pathology. This tool has great utility and versatility for neuropsychological practice.

Plasma metabolomic profiles associated with mortality and longevity in a prospective analysis of 13,512 individuals

Experimental studies reported biochemical actions underpinning aging processes and mortality, but the relevant metabolic alterations in humans are not well understood. Here we examine the associations of 243 plasma metabolites with mortality and longevity (attaining age 85 years) in 11,634 US (median follow-up of 22.6 years, with 4288 deaths) and 1878 Spanish participants (median follow-up of 14.5 years, with 525 deaths). We find that, higher levels of N2,N2-dimethylguanosine, pseudouridine, N4-acetylcytidine, 4-acetamidobutanoic acid, N1-acetylspermidine, and lipids with fewer double bonds are associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and reduced odds of longevity; whereas L-serine and lipids with more double bonds are associated with lower mortality risk and a higher likelihood of longevity. We further develop a multi-metabolite profile score that is associated with higher mortality risk. Our findings suggest that differences in levels of nucleosides, amino acids, and several lipid subclasses can predict mortality. The underlying mechanisms remain to be determined.

Post-hospital recovery trajectories of family members of critically ill COVID-19 survivors: an international qualitative investigation

PurposeThe immediate impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) visiting restrictions for family members has been well-documented. However, the longer-term trajectory, including mechanisms for support, is less well-known. To address this knowledge gap, we aimed to explore the post-hospital recovery trajectory of family members of patients hospitalised with a critical care COVID-19 admission. We also sought to understand any differences across international contexts.MethodsWe undertook semi-structured interviews with family members of patients who had survived a COVID-19 critical care admission. Family members were recruited from Spain and the United Kingdom (UK) and telephone interviews were undertaken. Interviews were analysed using a thematic content analysis.ResultsAcross the international sites, 19 family members were interviewed. Four themes were identified: changing relationships and carer burden; family health and trauma; social support and networks and differences in lived experience. We found differences in the social support and networks theme across international contexts, with Spanish participants more frequently discussing religion as a form of support.ConclusionsThis international qualitative investigation has demonstrated the challenges which family members of patients hospitalised with a critical care COVID-19 admission experience following hospital discharge. Specific support mechanisms which could include peer support networks, should be implemented for family members to ensure ongoing needs are met.

Getting closer to the minority culture: Experimental evidence of cultural enrichment to increase attributions of morality and majority adoption of Moroccan cultural patterns

Acculturation is a bidirectional process in which both the majority and minority groups change as they relate to each other. In Spain, studies have usually focused on the acculturation of minorities (e.g., Moroccans) upon their arrival in Spanish society, but little has been said about the acculturation of the majority. In this study, we analyzed whether making salient the richness of the Moroccan culture can affect the stereotypes of (im)morality of a sample of Spanish participants regarding Moroccan immigrants as well as their attitude toward adopting Moroccan cultural patterns through a process of self-perceived unfreezing of previous beliefs. In a preliminary study, we explored what people of Moroccan origin would like Spaniards to learn from Moroccans. Then, using an intergroup experimental design, we randomly assigned participants to one of the following three conditions: (a) enrichment of Moroccan culture (using excerpts from actual discourses, n = 222), (b) exposure to Moroccan immigration rates (n = 238), or (c) a control condition (n = 181). The results revealed that the participants in the cultural enrichment condition experienced more self-perceived unfreezing of previous beliefs, perceived Moroccans as more moral (only vs. the immigration rates condition), and reduced their resistance to adopting Moroccan cultural patterns, even though the effects were small. Furthermore, self-perceived unfreezing of previous beliefs mediated the effect of the cultural enrichment condition on perceived morality (but not immorality) and on the adoption of Moroccan cultural patterns. We discuss how, by emphasizing the enrichment of Moroccan culture, we can increase the morality attributed to Moroccans and decrease the resistance of Spaniards to adopting that minority culture.

Dividends, gains or losses on shares and the global minimum tax. Interaction and comparativa analysis with the Spanish participation exemption regime

La Directiva 2022/2523 ha instaurado en la UE el gravamen global mínimo acordado en el Pilar Dos de la OCDE, que incluye un tratamiento específico para dividendos y rentas por transmisión de participaciones. En particular, cuando se cumplan las condiciones previstas en la norma, estas rentas son obviadas en el análisis de la tributación del grupo. En la presente colaboración se examinan las circunstancias que determinan el ajuste de estas rentas, sus implicaciones materiales y su interacción con la exención del artículo 21 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Sociedades.

Prediction of psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic using linear and non-linear methodologies: Importance of COVID-19 threat perception, emotional competencies and resilience

The presence of a mental or physical illness prior to the pandemic, the perceived threat from COVID-19, resilience or emotional intelligence may influence the onset or increase of psychopathology during the COVID-19 lockdown. The aim was to assess predictors of psychopathology by comparing two statistical methodologies (one linear and one non-linear). MethodA total of 802 Spanish participants (65.50% female) completed the questionnaires independently after signing informed consent. Psychopathology, perceived threat, resilience and emotional intelligence were assessed. Descriptive statistics, hierarchical regression models (HRM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) were conducted. ResultsThe data obtained through the HRM showed that the presence of a previous mental illness, low resilience and emotional clarity, high emotional attention and repair, and COVID-19 threat perception predicted 51% of the variance in psychopathology. Results obtained from QCA showed that different combinations of these variables explained 37% of high levels of psychopathology and 86% of low levels of psychopathology, highlighting how the presence of prior mental illness, high emotional clarity, high resilience, low emotional attention and low perceived COVID-19 threat play a key role in explaining psychopathology. ConclusionsThese aspects will help promote personal resources to buffer psychopathology in lockdown situations.

Influence of the sociocultural perspective on the sensory perception of wine consumers in Mexico and Spain.

The increasing globalization of companies and markets, including the wine market, makes this study important as a cultural comparison between the sensory perception of wine in Mexico and Spain. Eighty consumers were selected with different consumption habits, and hedonic (Acceptance and Simple Preference) and descriptive (Word Association Task and the Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) method) sensory tests were performed. The results revealed that there were differences in the conceptualization of wine in the Word Association Task. Both populations preferred wines of Spanish origin over those of Mexican origin, especially in the case of red wine. Finally, the results of the CATA method showed that the attributes that discriminate the two types of wine are due more to the country origin of the tasters than to the samples. Spanish consumers used cultural and tradition descriptors and were stricter when it came to sensory evaluation. Moreover, Spanish participants demonstrated more ability to differentiating all wines in terms of visual, olfactory and taste aspects.

Prevalence and description of disorders of gut–brain interaction in Spain according to the results of the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study

Data for Spain from the Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study on the disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) were used to assess the national and regional prevalence of all 22 DGBI, the percentage of respondents meeting diagnostic criteria for at least one DGBI, and the impact on burden of disease in our country. Data were collected through an anonymous, nationwide, and secure Internet survey with multiple built-in quality-assurance techniques that included the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire and an in-depth supplemental questionnaire. The survey was completed by 2072 adult Spanish participants (50.2% female) with a mean age of 45.67 ± 15.44 years with a good representative national distribution. 43.6% (41.5%-45.8%) met diagnostic criteria for at least one DGBI, with 8.2% for any esophageal disorder, 12.1% for any gastroduodenal disorder, 30.1% for any bowel disorder, and 11.5% for any anorectal disorder. Functional constipation was the most prevalent DGBI in Spain (12.8%). We found that proctalgia fugax (9.3%), unspecified bowel disorders (10.8%), and functional dysphagia (5.6%) showed unexplained high rates in our country. DGBI rates were higher for women. Having any DGBI was negatively associated with psychosocial variables (including quality of life, somatization, and concern about digestive problems), and associated with increased healthcare utilization. We provide the first comprehensive data on the prevalence and burden of all DGBI in Spain using the Rome IV criteria. The enormous burden of DGBI in Spain highlights the need for specialized training and future research.

Darolutamide in Spanish patients with nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: ARAMIS subgroup analysis.

Aim: Darolutamide significantly prolonged metastasis-free survival (MFS) versus placebo in the Phase III ARAMIS study. We analyzed outcomes in Spanish participants in ARAMIS. Patients & methods: Patients with high-risk nonmetastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer were randomized 2:1 to darolutamide 600 mg twice daily or placebo, plus androgen-deprivation therapy. The primary end point was MFS. Descriptive statistics are reported for this post hoc analysis. Results: In Spanish participants, darolutamide (n=75) prolonged MFS versus placebo (n=42): hazard ratio 0.345, 95% confidence interval 0.175-0.681. The incidence and type of treatment-emergent adverse events were comparable between treatment arms. Conclusion: For Spanish participants in ARAMIS, efficacy outcomes favored darolutamide versus placebo, with a similar safety profile, consistent with the overall ARAMIS population. Clinical Trials Registration: NCT02200614 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Measurement invariance of commonly used psychosis-screening scales in U.S. Spanish- and English-speaking Hispanic participants.

Two of the most commonly used psychosis screening measures are the Prodromal Questionnaire-Brief (PQ-B) and the Youth Psychosis at Risk Questionnaire-Brief (YPARQ-B). Both scales have considerable support for the reliability and validity of their scores for use with English- and Spanish-speaking participants, with measurement equivalence established across a subset of demographic characteristics. However, measurement invariance has not been examined across several important demographic variables, including native language, language of the scales used with Hispanic participants, education, occupation, income, birth country, and generation status. In the present study, (N = 1,191) measurement invariance was examined for each of these variables across three samples (ns = 505, 714, and 126). The PQ-B total scores and YPARQ-B were found to demonstrate configural and scalar invariance, while PQ-B Distress scores displayed configural, metric, and scalar invariance across most tested demographic variables. Psychosis scores were associated with social determinants of health (SDoH) including major and everyday experiences of discrimination, food insecurity, financial insecurity, acculturation, and ethnic identity. The associations between psychosis and SDoH were mostly consistent across groups. Compared to White-non-Hispanic participants, Hispanic participants had higher scores on all psychosis measures and tended to have higher scores on discrimination, food and housing insecurity, affirmation aspects of ethnic identity, and acculturative stress. Despite differences in psychosis levels, the groups did not differ in history of treatment. Overall, these results provide strong evidence that the PQ-B and YPARQ provide equivalent, nonbiased, valid, and reliable scores in Hispanic and Non-Hispanic participants in both English and Spanish. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The specific psychosocial modulator factors of emotional adjustment in infertile individuals compared to fertile people

Certain psychological and social factors modulate emotional adjustment in infertility. The aims of this study were: analyse whether there are sex and group differences (infertile vs. fertile) in emotional adjustment, and personality, dispositional optimism, coping strategies, personal and interpersonal resources; observe the modulating role of these psychosocial variables in the emotional adjustment of infertile individuals compared to fertile ones; and determine if the modulator variables associated with emotional adjustment are specific to infertile people. Method: A cross-sectional study design was used with a sample of 139 heterosexual Spanish participants (84 infertile, 55 fertile). For the data analysis we performed correlations, multiple regression analysis, MANOVAS and ANOVAS. Results: The multivariate and univariate analyses showed that the infertile group exhibited greater emotional maladjustment, more personal resources, lesser degree of confrontive coping, social support seeking, positive reappraisal, and lower marital satisfaction than the fertile group. In addition, women (infertile and fertile) sought more social support seeking and the infertile ones made more use of self-controlling strategies. Multiple regression analyses showed that for all subjects the emotional adjustment was modulated by dispositional optimism and escape/avoidance. For infertile participants, the remaining significant modulating factors were personal resources and marital satisfaction, whereas, for the fertile group, they were openness and interpersonal resources. Conclusion: Infertile women and men showed no differences in emotional maladjustment, but levels were higher than in the fertile group. We found differences between infertile and fertile subjects in terms of modulating variables of emotional adjustment. For infertile participants, the development of personal resources and increased marital satisfaction are particularly important.

Building an Empire and Bringing About a Famine: The Allied Economic Blockade of Spain during the Second World War (1939–1945)

This article focuses on the Francoist ‘New State's’ foreign policy as a means of explaining the failure in food supplies which led to ‘Franco's famine’ in the early 1940s. It contends that eschewing strict neutrality in favour of pro-Axis policies after the outbreak of the Second World War contributed to creating the famine. Faced with Spain's Germanophile stance, first Britain, and later the United States, took a series of measures aimed at preventing any form of Spanish participation in the war. Most significant among these was the strictly managed economic blockade of Spain, which exacerbated problems of basic supply that had already been created by the dictatorship's policy of autarky. The result was the aggravation of famine conditions. The article will further demonstrate that the dictatorship was perfectly aware of the blockade's effect on the population and the suffering it caused.

Effect of Dietary Phenolic Compounds on Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes in the “Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra” (SUN) Cohort

The global incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has been steadily increasing in recent decades. The Mediterranean dietary pattern has shown a preventive effect on the risk of T2D. Evaluating the association between bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds (PC) in a Mediterranean cohort could help to better understand the mechanisms implicated in this protection. We evaluated the association between dietary intake of PC and the risk of T2D in a relatively young cohort of 17,821 Spanish participants initially free of T2D, through the University of Navarra Follow-up Project ("Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra" or SUN cohort) after 10 years of median follow-up using time-dependent Cox models. Intake of PC was estimated at baseline and repeatedly at 10-year follow-up using a 136-item validated food frequency and the Phenol-Explorer database. The incidence of T2D was identified by a biennial follow-up, and only medically confirmed cases were included. During 224,751 person-years of follow-up, 186 cases of T2D were confirmed. A suboptimal intake of stilbenes was independently associated with a higher risk of T2D in subjects over 50 years (HR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.06-2.90, p value < 0.05) after adjusting for potential confounders. Our results suggest that a moderate-high intake of stilbenes can decrease the risk of developing T2D in subjects over 50 years in our cohort.